How to recognise it
A wide elastic waistband with a drawstring, loose wide legs to the knee or below, and stripes or contrast panels at the sides. The fabric is light mesh or shiny polyester.
Where it comes from
Until the 1980s basketball players wore short, tight shorts. Michael Jordan asked for longer ones, and in 1991 the University of Michigan's Fab Five popularised long baggy shorts.
Who and when it suits
For basketball, the gym and weekends. In street style they go with T-shirts, hoodies and basketball shoes, and in Lithuania they are common well beyond the court.
Variations and look-alikes
Basketball shorts come in mesh, shiny polyester or double layer, with or without pockets, with stripes, in team colours and in shorter retro versions. They differ from running shorts in length and width, and from sweat shorts in their light mesh.
How to style it
- With basketball shoes and tall socks.
- Choose mesh for heat.
- Length at the knee.
- Wash without softener.
Similar styles
Frequently asked
01Why are basketball shorts so long?
Since the 1990s, when Michael Jordan and the Fab Five popularised long baggy shorts.
02Do basketball shorts suit women?
Yes, in street style with a crop top and sneakers.
03How do basketball shorts differ from running shorts?
Basketball shorts are long and loose; running shorts are short with splits.
04How do you wash mesh shorts?
Cool, inside out, without softener, hung to dry.